© Aemen Sukkar
Who? Rosie Jones
What? Fifteen Minutes
Where? Pleasance Courtyard (venue 33)
When? 20:30
Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?
Not quite yet! It takes me the entire year to prepare – physically and mentally – for Edinburgh. I will be ready by the end of July, but right now, it’s a daunting hill in front of me! It’s worth it though, and I definitely think this year’s Fringe will be one to remember. Bring it on!
What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?
My show, ‘Fifteen Minutes’, is all about how the first few minutes of my life affected every single minute after that. I have cerebral palsy as a result of not breathing for fifteen minutes at birth (which is a frigging long time to hold your breath, trust me!).
If that quarter of an hour had been different, I would be able-bodied. I’d be a whole different person. In the show, I try to work out who this elusive, ‘able-bodied Rosie’ is. I don’t know for sure, but I’m pretty certain that she’d be a twat!
What was the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?
My biggest obstacle, for sure, is my own expectations. They are insanely high. Whenever a ‘bit’ in my show would feel complete, a niggling voice in my head would whisper, ‘No, you can do better, it’s not done yet!”. I just want to make sure that this show is the best show it can be… but boy, it’s hard work.
Who would most enjoy your show?
I’d like to think that the majority of people would enjoy my show! It’s not overtly offensive or controversial; it’s just a little cheeky in places, like me! Although I talk about my own life, I hope that it makes the audience reflect on the choices they’ve made and encourage them to make the most out of their own lives.
Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?
Gosh, there’s so many! This year is so exciting because a lot of my friends are taking up their first hours. Heidi Regan, Catherine Bohart, Sarah Keyworth and Micky Overman are must sees. And for some Tudor mischief, get yourself to Great British Mysteries, who are my very talented Edinburgh housemates! Oh and, Suzi Ruffell, of course. Her shows are always insanely brilliant and full of energy.
What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?
I’ll tell you what my least favourite thing about Edinburgh is – the flipping cobbles, everywhere! Not great for a wobbler and her walker! As for my favourite thing, it has to be the people; everybody is so friendly and after a day there, it feels like home. It is also a comedians’ playground and I love bumping into friends wherever I turn.
What are your plans for after the festival?
HOLIDAY! I can’t bloody wait, two weeks in Barbados, yes please! After that, who knows? Sit back, recalibrate and work out my next move. I’m very happy about where my career is heading at the moment so ideally more comedy, more writing and more acting. Watch this space!